SCOTLAND'S NHS is at "breaking point", Scottish Labour claims today as it publishes a dossier cataloguing the cuts culture now afflicting the service.

The publication coincides with today's planned temporary closure of the children's ward at St John's Hospital in Livingston.

It is due to shut for three weeks due to staff shortages but Labour says consultants claimed closure could have been avoided.

Jackie Baillie, Labour's health spokeswoman, said its report showed the NHS in Scotland was stretched to breaking point due to cuts and lack of leadership from Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's Health Secretary.

The list of 13 incidents highlighted by Labour includes a £319 million cut to the health budget and 5000 NHS staff cuts.

"Labour established the NHS to provide free, high- quality care at the point of need. Sixty four years later, Scottish Labour holds true to these principles but the Cabinet Secretary has to up her game," said Ms Baillie.